Open Access research that is exploring the innovative potential of sustainable design solutions in architecture and urban planning...

Research activity at Architecture explores a wide variety of significant research areas within architecture and the built environment. Among these is the better exploitation of innovative construction technologies and ICT to optimise 'total building performance', as well as reduce waste and environmental impact. Sustainable architectural and urban design is an important component of this. To this end, the Cluster for Research in Design and Sustainability (CRiDS) focuses its research energies towards developing resilient responses to the social, environmental and economic challenges associated with urbanism and cities, in both the developed and developing world.

Abstract

Back pain can develop suddenly or gradually, but it is rarely caused by a serious illness. It is not a homogeneous condition, and it can present people with different levels of severity. (NICE 2007). The source of pain is often down to work-related conditions, such as fixed or constrained body position, unsuitable work station, repetitive body movements, or for example fast paced work preventing recovery between movements (Buckley 2015; ISD Scotland 2015). The pain can also result from bad posture, uncomfortable position while sitting or standing; while lifting something or bending awkwardly (NHS Choices 2016; ISD Scotland 2015). Low back pain or lumbago is the most common type of back pain (NHS Choices 2016). According to University hospital Southampton (2014) 95% of all back pain affects the lower back. Chronic low back pain is the most common pain clinic complaint (Price et al., 2012).